Despite the meteoric rise of digitisation, voice communication remains at the heart of our personal and professional lives. In fact, global telecommunication has brought down geographical barriers. Today, you can quickly dial your friend in New York or get on a conference call with your bosses in London, all thanks to the growing number of tier 1 voice providers.
So, what is a tier 1 provider?
Let’s find out.
What Is a Tier 1 Provider?
A tier 1 voice provider is a top-level telecommunication operator. They own and operate a well-established voice network. Tier 1 providers operate on settlement-free peering. They don’t have to purchase transit agreements to pass traffic across other networks. That’s what places tier 1 providers at the apex of the network food chain.
However, tier 1 providers are often large enough to support peering agreements among themselves. Plus, since they own the network, their internet and phone calls get the highest priority. This makes partnering with a tier 1 voice provider highly cost-effective and reliable, especially for businesses relying on global telecommunication.
Tier 2 Voice Providers
Tier 2 providers are one step below tier 1 providers. They partially rely on purchasing internet transit agreements from tier 1 providers. They typically use a combination of peering agreements and their own network (copper, exchanges, and equipment). But unlike tier 1 voice providers, they operate regionally or nationally, not globally. They may focus on providing services tailored to the needs of local businesses and markets.
Tier 3 Voice Providers
Tier 3 providers are two steps below tier 1 providers. They are typically smaller and more localised than their tier 1 and tier 2 providers. They rarely have a network of their own. Instead, they rely extensively, if not entirely, on purchasing internet transit agreements. It might affect their service latency and reliability. However, being small and local allows them to focus on niche markets and provide highly personalised services.
Why Choose a Tier 1 Voice Provider?
Tier 1 voice providers are the most established voice network providers. Opting for this provider brings many benefits, including:
- Direct Network Access: Tier 1 voice providers are the backbone of the internet. They build, own, and operate their own telecommunication network. Choosing a tier 1 provider gives you direct access to their vast network. This direct access reduces the risk of lag or jitter.
- Reduced Latency: Tier 1 providers help you bypass intermediate networks. And with direct routing, they effectively minimise disruptions. They also offer the highest Quality of Service (QoS) standards. This paves the way for smoother and consistent call quality. Select a tier 1 provider if your business needs high-quality communication.
- Extensive Network Coverage: Tier 1 voice providers typically operate globally. They offer expansive network coverage. That’s one more reason to pick this provider, especially if your business operates globally.
- Higher Uptime: Tier 1 voice providers offer high uptime guarantees. They have a robust infrastructure, which keeps the communication lines open and stable virtually 24/7. This can be particularly helpful if your business relies on round-the-clock communication.
- Better Pricing: Direct network access eliminates the need for third-party transit services. That means tier 1 providers can provide high-quality calling services at a fairly low price point. They also have simpler contract terms than their tier 2 and tier 3 counterparts.
Should I Choose Tier 1 or Tier 2 Voice Provider?
While they offer unparalleled quality and reliability, tier 1 providers may not always be the best fit, especially for smaller businesses. For one, tier 2 providers can offer more competitive service fees because they can negotiate lower transit costs.
Secondly, they focus on specific regions and provide services tailored to the local niches or markets. This makes tier 2 providers a good choice for small and local businesses with less demand for international voice communication.
Tier 3 providers can be even more customer-focused. They are known for offering highly personalised service and support. And although their costs may be slightly higher, tier 3 providers can be a good choice if you need specialised voice services.
How Do You Find the Right Tier 1 Voice Provider
Not all tier 1 providers are made equal. Choosing the right VoIP service provider requires careful consideration. Here’s what you need to know:
- Network Reliability: A tier 1 voice provider is only as good as their network. Look for someone with a reputation for high uptime and robust infrastructure. The provider should have enough data centres and failsafe systems to ensure 24/7 uptime. Take a look at their previous uptime records. Check for network failures and how quickly they got back online. This research is instrumental in finding a reliable tier 1 voice provider.
- Customer Service: Customer support is equally critical. Your communication may go down at any minute. So, the tier 1 voice provider should offer 24/7 and 100% Australian customer support. This can help resolve potential issues quickly and efficiently.
- Cost: Cost is yet another important factor. Shop around and compare the plans from different service providers. However, balance the cost with the quality of service. Each plan will spell out call rates, service features, and additional fees, which you can compare to find a provider that offers the best bang for your buck.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your communication needs will evolve. The tier 1 voice provider should be able to scale up with your growing demands. Check if the provider offers the flexibility to quickly upgrade your current plan or change your requirements as and when needed. Remember, this flexibility is at the heart of an evolving telecommunication infrastructure.
Conclusion
Tier 1 voice providers are the most established voice network providers. They form the global telecommunications network. A tier 1 provider offers reduced latency, better call quality, higher uptime, and competitive pricing. It can be a game-changer for your business if it relies on international communication. However, tier 2 providers can be more suitable for smaller and local businesses. In the end, you should choose a voice service provider that best fits your communication needs.Are you ready to upgrade your voice communication? Bundle one of our VoIP services with your NBN plan and enjoy unlimited, high-quality calling. Contact us to know the details.
